Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen review - PAGE 1

The Transformers movies have been receiving a lot of mixed reviews, both from critics, movie-goers and fans of the old cartoon. Developed by Luxoflux, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game certainly follows its source more closely than the movies do the original '80s cartoon, but it still carries shortcomings typical of movie-based games.

Let's get the obvious out of the way -- the story is pointless to discuss. Like with most movie video games, the Transformers: ROTF story has been stripped down to its bare bones and simply alludes to the ROTF movie with references to key events and names. All we get are loosely connected missions without much background, so you won't actually know what the Hell is going on unless you saw the movie, except that the Decepticons are up to no good, and the Autobots are trying to stop them. Remember N.E.S.T.? The game constantly refers to the secret military organization without explaining who they are.

Now about those missions. ROTF gameplay revolves completely around missions, both mandatory and optional. On the main menu, you'll be greeted with a rather tempting "cheat codes" option. Forget about it. Entering codes lets you play with effects like invincibility, stat boots, tougher enemies, and more, but you can't earn Achievements, participate in multiplayer or even save your game while the codes are active. You'll need to actually log out of your account in order to disable the cheats.

We're going to do this the old-fashioned way. After choosing a side, players get acquainted with the game in a mandatory tutorial, timed like every other mission. Platinum, gold, silver, or bronze medals can be earned based on how fast you complete these missions. In turn, medals come with campaign points that are needed to progress through the game and unlock more missions later. On top of this, you have primary and secondary missions, totalling 23 in each campaign. If 23 sounds like a large number to you, keep in mind that these missions can all be completed in just several minutes, especially if you aim for those medals.

While secondary missions are generally optional, there are a few you'll have to pass in order to progress. I suspect this is the game's way of making the player try out every mission type. Anyway, secondary missions are actually a great deal more challenging than primaries but still doable in a 15 minutes or less. Either way, they provide a decent challenge, in contrast to the main missions in ROTF. Earning medals (even a bronze) in both missions of a particular zone will unlock Free-Roam.

Now I thought Free-Roam was going to let you pick a Transformer and go around an open map, blowing crap up, collecting Skill Shots you missed the first time, doing a speed run without enemies, or even mowing down enemies without worrying about objectives and timers. Turns out, it's a lot less glamorous than it sounds. In Free-Roam, the player is still restricted to that area by those transluscent blue walls with no adversaries or Skill Shots to collect. Just you and a blank stage; the visuals aren't exactly impressive enough to justify flying / driving / running in circles all by yourself.

So back to the missions themselves. Unfortunately, tedium starts to set in before long because there isn't a whole lot of variety in mission types. The missions will have special bonus objectives and Skill Shots (Autobot or Decepticon logos) to help break the unavoidable monotony, to a small degree. At the end of each mission, your performance will be evaluated based on things like weapon accuracy, kill count, Skill Shots, and bonus objectives completed. Interestingly enough, dialogue changes between the missions depending on how well you do, as your fellow Transformers will either offer verbal pats on the back for a job well done or polite chastisement if you sucked big time. It's more of a general summary to go with the precise performance charts that appear after the "Mission Success!" screen.

There is a glimmer of hope in the combat, after you get used to the awkward controls, which can feel unnecessarily complex to start. Hey, that's what a tutorial is for, right? Luckily, combat in Transformers: ROTF is much more refined than everything else the game tries to offer. Players are rewarded for special takedowns like headshots, advanced melee attacks or kills made in overdrive. In vehicle form, the Transformers do less damage, so runnings things over isn't as fun as just blowing them up. Major bummer, that.

And if you get really good at pulling off headshots and grenade kills, your combat skills are rewarded with unlockable content. Certain in-game accomplishments will earn you pretty concept art (yay!), promotional materials, and even two episodes from the original Transformers cartoon: "The Ultimate Doom (Part 1)" and "S.O.S. Dinobots." You can unlock cutscenes too, but the cinematics in Transformers: ROTF aren't watching more than once. The unlockable G1 episodes are truly a nostalgic treat for old school fans, though.

Comments

I agree with the review 100%. I have the wii version and it is even worse. The controls are horrible in addition to all the points stated in the review. In the wii version I have you also don't get to pick sides. As the game progress you get moved from good guys to bad guys depending on the level. It also doesn't have a lot of the neat features you mentioned that made the game worthwhile like sniper and different character abilities. This was the worst game I have ever bought. The only reason I do it anymore is to unlock the G1 episodes which just remind me of my youth. Oddly I can watch those on youtube for free and without wasting my time.

Great review Lydia! You sure were a lot nicer than I would have been! LMAO I got so sick of Starscream bitching at me during the tutorial! Jesus that got on my nerves! And where the hell are the cool sounds we used to make as kids when changing forms???!!!

I agree with the review 100%. I have the wii version and it is even worse. The controls are horrible in addition to all the points stated in the review. In the wii version I have you also don't get to pick sides. As the game progress you get moved from good guys to bad guys depending on the level. It also doesn't have a lot of the neat features you mentioned that made the game worthwhile like sniper and different character abilities. This was the worst game I have ever bought. The only reason I do it anymore is to unlock the G1 episodes which just remind me of my youth. Oddly I can watch those on youtube for free and without wasting my time.

I have a question: I'm not exactly sure if I should buy the Ps2 Game Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen or not. I'm trying to get peoples opinions first.